Just as the glory of spring was arriving, I tripped and broke my knee cap. It was early March and for nine days I was required to be in bed or a wheelchair with my leg straight. After nine days, the doctor decided I need surgery to fix the break. Now I am up on crutches and walking. During those first nine days, I could only see the tops of my plants and my fruit trees. The avocado tree is heavy with blossoms. I think we might have a heavy crop if the strong winds back off.
The day I broke my knee, I had planned to pick my winter valencia oranges to make marmalade. That is after, my husband and I split some wood. The marmalade will have to wait, as will trimming and composting the garden and grapevines. For now, although I am up and able to walk, I can’t manage the steps to my yard or walking on our uneven grassy surface. But I can see much more and even make it onto my deck.
March came in like a lion with strong wind and rain. We continue to have storms but the intensity is starting to lessen now as we get towards the end of our rainy season. The last storm brought a quarter of an inch rather than the .75 to 1.5 inches we were getting. Just enough to keep things moist and green.
Last Saturday it rained through the early morning and then the sun came out gloriously. I poked my head out our back door to see the nastursums spreading and climbing eveywhere. Their flowers are beautiful though and I’d like to add some blossoms to our salads, but alas, I can’t go outside to pick them. Trimming them back will also have to wait for maybe a few more weeks.
The borage is popping up in between the nastursums and our native plants. The apricot tree has also started to flower. I am hoping this next cold storm doesn’t knock them off.
I love spring; the lengthening of the days, the buds bursting and trees leafing out. I am missing out on the fragrance of the blooms. This is the best time in the garden, but I won’t be able to make it out there until towards the end of April. I will have to satisfy myself with looking at things from a distance.
By now I would have started my tomato plants. I may have missed that window this year. I do see strawberries in my strawberry pot and will send my husband out to pick them. I am tiring of eating citrus and await the cherries of late spring. Meanwhile, strawberries are delicious right now.
As I was sitting on one of my couch’s that has a view of the yard, I noticed my Magnolia vine blooming for the first time since 2016. The drought years took away the blooms but the vine continued to grow. They are beautiful white trumpet flowers and I already see a hummingbird going over to drink the nectar.
We are expecting a big storm for the final weekend of March. Maybe 1-3 inches of rain. This will be great for the plants and trees to help them through the dry months. I believe March will be going out like a lion too! Happy Spring everyone.
Reflections Outside My Window 